
Grilled Crab with Cabbage
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and feels fancy enough for company. Sweet, tender crab legs paired with caramelized purple cabbage create a beautiful plate that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Purple cabbage is packed with antioxidants that support heart health, making this dish both indulgent and good for you. The best part? Everything cooks on the grill in one go, so cleanup is minimal and you get to enjoy that wonderful smoky flavor without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 1 kgcrab legs(thawed if frozen)
- 1 headpurple cabbage(cut into thick wedges)
- 6 tbspbutter(divided)
- 2fresh lemon(juiced)
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 tbspfresh thyme(chopped)
- 1½ tspsea salt
- 1 tspblack pepper
- ½ tspsmoked paprika
- 3 tbspolive oil
- 3 tbspfresh parsley(chopped for garnish)
- 4lemon wedges(for serving)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Pat the crab legs dry with paper towels and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toss the cabbage wedges with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Tip: Drying the crab helps it develop a better crust on the grill.
- 2
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic and fresh thyme. Let it infuse for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the lemon juice, remaining salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Keep warm on the side of the grill.
Tip: Don't let the garlic brown; it should become fragrant and golden.
- 3
Brush the grill grates with the remaining olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the cabbage wedges directly on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until they develop dark caramelized marks and become tender.
Tip: The charred bits add incredible depth of flavor to the cabbage.
- 4
While the cabbage cooks, arrange the crab legs on the grill in a single layer. Brush them generously with the garlic-herb butter mixture using a pastry brush.
Tip: Position the thicker parts of the crab toward the hotter parts of the grill.
- 5
Grill the crab legs for 4-5 minutes, then flip them carefully and brush with more butter. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the shells turn bright orange-red and the meat is heated through.
Tip: The crab is done when the shell color becomes vibrant and the legs are warm throughout.
- 6
Transfer the grilled crab legs and cabbage to a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining warm garlic-herb butter over everything.
- 7
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Provide small bowls for the melted butter for dipping.
Tip: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
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